Admission to the Program

In addition to University requirements for admission to graduate study, students must have a 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted, submit the Division and College application forms, take additional examinations required by the Division, and be interviewed by the Division screening committee. Successful candidates are admitted to cohort groups and must take a prescribed sequence of cohort classes.

Applications are considered once a year for admission to the Fall Semester. Applications must be submitted to the Division of Special Education and Counseling. Cohorts are admitted to the Fall Semester of each year. Prospective candidates must check with the Division office for annual application deadlines. Late applications may be considered if space is available. Prior to admission to the program, graduate students are encouraged to obtain preliminary advisement and begin taking prerequisite and unrestricted courses, not to exceed 9 units. Upon acceptance, each student is assigned a faculty advisor and a cohort group.

Requirements for the Degree (40-77 units)

A total of 40-77 units are required, depending on the option, prior coursework, and culminating experience selected (Comprehensive Examination, Thesis or Project), with at least half of the units at the 5000-level. The School Psychology option requires at least two-thirds of the units to be at the 5000-level. The School Psychology option consists of a required core, other required courses, and a comprehensive examination or thesis/project. There is a limit on credit that may be earned in variable-unit courses. See Restriction on Credit Earned in Variable Unit Courses in the Charter College of Education section of the Academic Programs College-based and University-wide chapter of this catalog.

Before students may take courses to meet the fieldwork requirement, they must be advanced to candidacy and must be recommended by their advisor. Written applications for fieldwork must be submitted to the Division Office during the tenth week of the semester prior to the semester in which the student desires a fieldwork placement.

Students who select the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) must be advanced to candidacy and must comply with College and Division requirements before enrolling to take the examination. These requirements include a formal application no later than the tenth week of the Summer Session for Fall Semester examinations or the tenth week of the Fall Semester for Spring Semester examinations.

Students having research interests are encouraged to undertake the thesis. Selecting the thesis/project option may increase the number of units required for completion of the program. Students are encouraged to begin thesis planning as soon as possible.

Dual Option Requirements

Students may complete the requirements for two options of the M.S. Degree in Counseling. In such a case, both options may be pursued either simultaneously or sequentially but formal admission to each option is required. Some courses can count toward both options, but by University policy, 50% of the second option must be comprised of new units. Students should see advisors in both options to plan dual option requirements.

Option in Applied Behavior Analysis (40-44 units)

(Without Emphasis in Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance)

The program is designed to train graduate students in the principles, concepts, and application of behavior analysis within a counseling framework, who plan to become board certified behavior analysts, and for those who elect to specialize in the behavioral area for doctoral training.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0, 4 units)

Notes:

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) during the Fall or Spring semester after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements.

*Students who do a thesis are required to obtain advisor approval.

** May be repeated once for credit.

Option in Marriage and Family Therapy (60-64 units)

(Without the Emphasis in Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance)

This option is designed to prepare family systems oriented counselors who are eligible to apply for licensure in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). It meets state requirements for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) as outlined in the Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37. Students fulfill degree requirements by completing the required 4 units in the required core, plus option requirements of 56 units, and completing either a thesis/project or comprehensive examination (0-4 units).

Pre/Co-requisites (3 units)

May be met by the following course or other current or prior coursework with advisor approval.

Required Core (4 units)

Other Required Courses (56 units)

Students who do not wish to obtain the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorizations in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance Services must complete the following (56 units):

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0, 4 units)

Notes:

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) during the Fall or Spring semester after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements.

*Students who do a thesis are required to obtain advisor approval.

** May be repeated once for credit.

Option in Marriage and Family Therapy (73-77 units)

(School-Based Family Counseling: Emphasis in Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance)

Students may elect to complete training in School-Based Family Counseling (73-77 units) and qualify for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with Advanced Authorization in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance Services in addition to the Master’s Degree by completing the following:

Pre/Co-requisite (3 units)

May be met by the following course or other current or prior coursework with advisor approval.

Note:

An extensive MFT Handbook, containing detailed description of the program, required form for registering with the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, and the Site Practicum Manual is available in the division office.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0, 4 units)

Notes:

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) during the Fall or Spring semester after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements.

*Students who do a thesis are required to obtain advisor approval.

** May be repeated once for credit.

Option in Rehabilitation Counseling (48-52)

The Rehabilitation Counselor Education program prepares students to (a) address the needs of individuals with disabilities and maximize their rehabilitation potential, which includes occupational and personal efficacy and (b) function effectively as professional rehabilitation counselors in a variety of employment settings. The program is accredited by the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE).

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0, 4 units)

Notes:

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) during the Fall or Spring semester after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements.

*Students who do a thesis are required to obtain advisor approval.

** May be repeated once for credit.

Option in School Psychology (72-76)

School psychologists focus on the psychoeducational development of individuals from birth through age 21, their abilities and potentialities, and the biological, emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors that influence the learning process. Students who earn the master’s degree with this option also qualify for the Pupil Personnel Services credential with advanced specialization in School Psychology and advanced specialization in Child Welfare and Attendance Services. Students in this option should see information below regarding the School Psychology Internship Credential. For accreditation reasons, undergraduate student access to 5000-level courses in this program is not permitted.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis or Project (0, 4 units)

Note:

Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination (COUN 5960) during the Fall or Spring semester after they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and division requirements.